gocron is a lightweight task scheduler that executes recurring jobs defined in a YAML configuration. It combines a Go backend with a Vue.js frontend, supports cron expressions for timing, and exposes an API for job management.

Key Features

YAML configuration file to define defaults, multiple jobs, cron schedules, environment variables, and sequential commands per job
Cron expression support for precise scheduling and per-job overrides
Per-job environment variables passed into executed commands
Web UI built with Vue.js for viewing and managing jobs, plus API documentation and endpoints
Docker and Docker Compose friendly deployment with a ready container image
Ability to include and manage common backup tools via configuration (apprise, borgbackup, restic, rclone, rsync, kopia, etc.)

Use Cases

Schedule regular system maintenance tasks, updates, and cleanup scripts on a single host
Run automated backup jobs using configured backup tools at defined intervals
Execute periodic data collection, reporting, or integration scripts in homelabs and small server environments

Limitations and Considerations

Not designed as a distributed or highly-available scheduler; primarily single-node operation
Job execution runs commands on the host where the service is deployed, so isolation and security depend on container/host configuration
Lacks built-in enterprise features like clustering, advanced retry/backoff policies, and multi-tenant RBAC

gocron is suited for users who need a simple, file-driven scheduler with a web UI and Docker deployment. It is practical for homelabs, single-server automation, and scheduled backup workflows where lightweight configuration and local command execution are sufficient.